It requires enforcement

April 24, 2007

Somerset Borough Council has appointed four code enforcement officers who will have the ability to file charges against people not maintaining properties.

Other boroughs in Somerset County have had properties declared unsafe and the residents evicted. But in some cases, the property owner does not either repair the house or have it torn down. When that happens, people have lost their place to live, but the blighted building still stands. There is a great need for good affordable housing in Somerset County.

It is naive to think all property owners will keep their properties in good repair without prodding, so having code enforcement officers are a plus. But until there is an easier way to force the property owners to make the necessary repairs, the blighted buildings will remain.